Winter Tour of Lights in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Holiday Light Tours in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Every winter, the Smoky Mountains region transforms into a luminous wonderland as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge celebrate the holiday season with millions of vibrant, animated lights. Both cities host spectacular seasonal displays that attract visitors from across the country. Here’s how to experience the most dazzling sights during your winter visit.

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour

Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic celebration brings a festive glow to the entire town, with twinkling lights and whimsical displays that line the streets from early November through February. A walk along the downtown Parkway in the evening reveals animated scenes featuring woodland creatures, dancing fountains, and holiday characters that light up the night.

For a more complete experience, the City of Gatlinburg offers a free self-guided tour map each year. This downloadable guide helps visitors navigate the most impressive light displays, including those on Parkway, River Road, and parts of Highway 321. Although the once-popular trolley tour is no longer available due to the city's transition to free trolley service, the self-driving option ensures you can still enjoy the highlights. Bring your camera and make sure your route follows the map for the best views.

Pigeon Forge Winterfest Driving Tour

Just minutes from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge offers its own impressive seasonal showcase known as Winterfest. More than five million lights adorn the city, creating a magical atmosphere from early November through late February. Like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge has discontinued its trolley tour of the lights but provides a complimentary Driving Tour of Lights map available at local Welcome Centers.

Much of the display can be seen along the Pigeon Forge Parkway, which serves as the centerpiece of the town’s holiday décor. For an even more immersive experience, head to Patriot Park to explore a stunning collection of lights or stroll along the Wonders of Light Walking Trail on the Riverwalk Greenway. If you're looking for more, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas adds several million additional lights to the season’s spectacle.

This self-guided driving experience is ideal for families who prefer to travel at their own pace, especially those with small children or pets who may be more comfortable in a private vehicle.

Explore More Holiday Lights Across the Smokies

While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer some of the most well-known displays, the surrounding region also features a variety of festive light shows and seasonal events. For a broader look at what the Smoky Mountains have to offer during the holidays, including fireworks and themed attractions, check out our full guide to Christmas Lights in the Smokies.

Whichever town you prefer to be closer to, we have cabins all over the area that can put you where you want to be. Check out our Gatlinburg Cabins and our Pigeon Forge Cabins pages, or for a little quieter (and very scenic) area, try the Wears Valley Cabins page. And all cabins get our Free Ticket “TripCash” book of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Coupons, worth over $700!